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Crafting with Nature

May 16, 2011

Seeking ideas for your next craft project? Look no further than the outdoors. From pinecones to seashells, natural materials can make any project unique and lots of fun for all ages. Here are five craft ideas you can easily make just using what is found in your yard or around the house. But the possibilities for projects are endless. All you need is a little imagination and nature!

Painted RocksIt doesn’t get any easier. For this craft, the only materials you’ll need are acrylic paint, a paintbrush, clean rocks, and an exterior stain to protect the paint. Painted rocks can make great paperweights, rock gardens, and even decorations.

Orange PomandersIt may have a sophisticated name, but this project is rather simple to pull off. You’ll need an orange, cloves, a poker (e.g., knitting needle), and a permanent marker. Use the marker to create a design on the orange. Then poke holes in the orange, filling in your design. Finally, insert the cloves into the holes. And presto! You have a very fragrant orange pomander. These are popular during the holidays, but can be enjoyed throughout the year.

CollagesMaking a collage with natural materials can be both fun and creative. All you need are card stock, scissors, glue, and anything from the outside you can get your hands on—twigs, grass, and leaves are good places to start. To create the collage, simply glue the materials to the card stock. You can help preserve the collage by putting it into a picture frame.

Pinecone Bird FeedersA classic appreciated by birds and people alike. To make them, you’ll need pinecones, a knife, peanut butter, a plate, birdseed, scissors, and yarn. Just apply peanut butter to the pinecone and then roll it in birdseed (this is where the plate comes in handy). Attach yarn to the top of the pinecone and hang it on a tree.

Walnut BoatsKids will especially like this one. Materials needed include empty walnut shells (broken into halves), toothpicks, glue, paper, and scissors. The first thing you’ll want to do is create the mast. Cut out a small paper triangle sail and glue to a toothpick. Then glue the toothpick into the middle of the walnut shell. That’s it. You’re ready for some sailing!